my journey through my words and my lens

Grand and Green

Leaving the scenic Samosir and Toba Lake creates the urge to find someplace else that can give me similar taste and experience of awe. The trip back to the city becomes less interesting because of that. However, there are also some plans on what to explore in the city of Medan; the crossbreed cultural heritage places and food.

But first, let’s explore the Al-Mashun mosque or, widely known as Grand Mosque. The Moroccan-style building which is said to have ornate carvings, Italian marble and stained glass from China, is unfortunately not in its best condition anymore. Here and there, we can find dents and broken glass, and several minor damages. However, all in all, you can still see what’s left of the old-time-grandeur Grand Mosque.

When I arrive, the drizzle starts to wet the earth and the gloomy sky dominates that afternoon. I suppose there are not too many visitors that day because the crowd is still tolerable. After taking off my shoes, I start to explore the inside of this mosque. And to help you with your imagination, here are the pictures of Grand Mosque.

With all its geometrical combination adopted from many corners of the world, this mosque still looks spectacularWith the apparel, I assume that he is not just another visitor to this mosqueBeautiful curve that leads to the hallway, with intricate carvings being put all around the curveThis beautifully decorated room is used as the main prayer room in this mosque. When it is not in use, you can see people resting. In my imagination, I’d like to call them musafir, or wayfarer.Green color domination!Spider-webs-look dome, gorgeous carvings, and fading colorsPrayingShiny, meticulously carved, gold-coated platformGorgeous pattern